CPT Administration Code: 11981 | Implant Administration

Code Overview

CPT® administration code details for 11981.

CPT Code Descriptor Insertion of single non-biodegradable implant

Code Category Implant Administration

Route / Technique Subcutaneous Implant

Code Type Initial / Primary Code

About Implant Administration – 11981

CPT 11981 describes the insertion of a non-biodegradable drug delivery implant, most commonly a subdermal rod, placed subcutaneously to provide sustained-release medication over an extended period. It is reported when a clinician performs the initial insertion procedure, distinct from subsequent removal or removal-with-reinsertion services, which have their own dedicated codes. This code applies regardless of the specific pharmaceutical agent contained in the implant, since the code describes the procedural insertion rather than the drug itself.

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11981 RVU Breakdown & Medicare Reimbursement

Based on the CY 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule. National payment amounts, before geographic (GPCI) adjustment.

Component	Facility	Non-Facility
Work RVU — physician work	1.11	1.11
Practice Expense RVU — staff, supplies, equipment	0.32	1.90
Malpractice RVU — professional liability	0.21	0.21
Total RVUs	1.64	3.22
Medicare Payment — Total RVUs × $33.4009 CF	$54.78	$107.55

CY 2026 Medicare Conversion Factor: $33.4009.

11981 Locality-Adjusted Rates

Medicare payment varies by locality via GPCI adjustment. Log in to view rates for all 100+ Medicare localities.

Medicare Locality	Facility	Non-Facility
National (unadjusted)	$54.78	$107.55
Los Angeles–Long Beach, CA
Manhattan, NY
Houston, TX
Miami, FL

Drugs Commonly Billed with 11981

HCPCS-coded drugs frequently administered under this CPT code. The list below is not exhaustive.

HCPCS Code	Drug	HCPCS Descriptor
J7307	NEXPLANON	Etonogestrel (contraceptive) implant system, including implant and supplies
J0570	PROBUPHINE	Buprenorphine implant, 74.2 mg
J9226	SUPPRELIN LA	Histrelin implant (supprelin la), 50 mg
C9089	Xaracoll	Bupivacaine, collagen-matrix implant, 1 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CPT Administration Codes?

CPT administration codes cover the work of giving a drug to a patient, such as an injection or an infusion. The drug itself is billed with its HCPCS J-code, and the administration is billed with a CPT code. Both go on the same claim. Learn More →

What is the Medicare Conversion Factor?

The conversion factor is the dollar amount CMS uses to turn a code's total RVUs into a Medicare payment. This page uses the CY 2026 conversion factor of $33.4009. CMS updates it every year in the Physician Fee Schedule final rule.

Facility vs. Non-Facility?

The non-facility rate applies in a physician office, where the practice pays for its own staff, supplies, and equipment, so the rate is usually higher. The facility rate applies in hospital outpatient departments and ASCs, where the facility bills for those costs separately.

How do I decide which administration code to use?

Pick the code that matches the type of drug, the route, and how long the administration takes. Start from the highest-ranking service you performed, then add the appropriate add-on codes for extra time or extra drugs. Manufacturer billing and coding guides often list suggested administration codes.

About BuyandBill.com:

The BuyandBill.com team is dedicated to delivering high-quality coding and billing information for office-administered drugs. We continuously research HCPCS-coded medications to expand our resources and ensure data accuracy. Manufacturers: click here to sponsor your medication, and we will ensure the most accurate and detailed information is displayed.

CPT Administration Code: 11981 – Implant Administration